#GoldTogether has inspired over one million dollars to be given to pediatric charities since 2014.

In 2019 the #GoldTogether movement is partnering with the American Cancer Society to have a broader reach and greater impact.

We are #GOLDTOGETHER

#GoldTogether is a movement birthed from the vision and positive energy of pediatric brain cancer survivor and Relay For Life volunteer, Cole Eicher. Cole’s dream is simple: let’s work together to have a greater impact, more options, and better outcomes for kids fighting cancer. The #GoldTogether for childhood cancer team started in St. Petersburg, Florida and grew to 6 teams in Florida in 2017 and 12 teams in the southeast in 2018.

It has grown into a budding national movement over 90 #GoldTogether for childhood cancer created nationally in 2019 at Relay For Life events. All funds raised by these teams will be dedicated solely to pediatric cancer research and support initiatives. Participating is about more than raising money. It’s an opportunity for people that are passionate about childhood cancer to join a movement, share their stories and expand a network of support and empowerment.

Relay for Life events are a way to connect all the people who support a child through their battle and the cause to come together in one place and celebrate, honor those we miss and empower children to raise their voices and share their journey. Change happens through action, not silence and the more kids that have a platform to inspire, the faster better outcomes will become available.

#GoldTogether team locations will be added in December on the events page of this website or on the RelayForLife.org website by searching #GoldTogether. Want to make an impact and don’t live near an event? You can join a team virtually by signing up with any #GoldTogether team or make a direct donation.

Cole knows first hand what it is like to battle cancer at 12 and the onset of secondary cancer at 14. A youth voice asked for change and American Cancer Society listened. We plan to expand even further in 2020. The power of the youth voice can inspire action in a community and across the globe. Today is a new day and we have the power to create the change we want to see.

Learn how #GoldTogether athletic activism is one way to bring awareness to pediatric cancer

Childhood Cancer Survivor, Cole Eicher, is dedicated to being a voice for courageous kids fighting cancer

Mission

“I believe that everyone can do something to help kids ﬁghting cancer. thank you for being their voice” -Cole Eicher

Diagnosed with a brain tumor at 12-years-old, Cole decided to help other kids fighting cancer.

“When I was in the cancer ﬂoor and I would walk by all the rooms ﬁlled with kids, I saw that they were often too small or too sick to speak out and help others. I knew then that I must speak for them and other kids ﬁghting cancer. Even healthy kids like myself can get sick. We need gentler treatments and more cures.” - Cole Eicher

Cole’s Story

Cole Eicher has experienced more in his young 17 years than most people have in a lifetime. His passion is soccer, having played since he was seven. His most memorable experience was traveling to Munich, Germany with his team to play the Bayern Munich U12 team.

He has modeled since the age of seven, most notably working in the major motion picture, Dolphin Tale 2. He’s also been cast in commercials and various national and international companies such as Walt Disney, Marriott, Publix, Target, JC Penney, US Polo and Next Directory.

At the age of 12, he suffered symptoms of unexplained morning nausea, vomiting and dizziness that lasted for three days, then went away. Six weeks later it came back with a vengeance. He was initially diagnosed with adolescent migraines, But on February 1st, 2014, a MRI determined that Cole had a golf ball sized tumor in his brain.

His type of cancer, called Medulloblastoma (Med-you-low blast-oh-ma) was treated with surgery and nine months of powerful, sometimes painful treatment. But Cole remained strong. He endured thirty rounds of radiation to the brain and spine, four months of high dose chemotherapy combined with an autologous stem-cell rescue and transplant protocol. Since his treatment ended in October 2014, Cole still officially shows “no evidence of disease” . However, he will be monitored closely for the rest of his life.

Cole’s faith and support from others got him through the tough treatment protocol. He wants more people to become aware and support childhood cancer believing that “Everyone can do something to help kids fighting cancer.”

Looking back to what his earlier years have taught him Cole realizes that everything he learned assists him in helping kids today. As a midfielder, his job is to help others on his team make the goal, He proudly plays that role off the soccer ﬁeld too. His experience in front of the camera gives him the confidence he needs to “be the voice for kids fighting cancer.”

Gratitude helps Cole remember what he can do versus what he can’t. He greatly appreciates every effort of support.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The Impact of #GoldTogether

Over one million dollars raised for pediatric cancer research and support programs

#GoldTogether, American Cancer Society, 2014 - present

Raised $755,000 dedicated to a pediatric cancer research grant through speaking at signature events such as Cattle Baron’s Balls, Tee Up for Life Golf Tournament, Relay for Life and various athletic activism events.

National launch of #GoldTogether Relay for Life teams, October 2018: Created collateral, marketing items and guided execution of program. All funds raised are dedicated to pediatric cancer research and awareness initiatives.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, June 2015

Raised $10,000 through a “Foot Golf” event to fund a “Teen Lounge” on the oncology ﬂoor so that teens will have a space to connect and take their minds off of cancer. Monthly visits replenish teen games, books and gifts.

Celebrity Appearances, 2014 - present

Contacted, coordinated and appeared with Nathan Gamble and Austin High-smith, Dolphin Tale 2 actors during their visits to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Providing memorable experiences for patients.

Tampa Bay Rowdies, #GoldTogether September Childhood Cancer Awareness Matches: Four year fundraising total is $300,000

June 2017 - present: Created pediatric cancer game ambassador program. Families who’s children are battling cancer are given a “Ambassador Package” with stadium tour, behind the scenes information and escorted to meet players after the game. Tours are conducted by Cole and other pediatric cancer ambassadors.

September 2018: Raised $80,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital dedicated to the Benjamin Gilkey Fund for innovative research, The Children’s Dream fund and Bay Star Family Retreat.

September 2017: Raised $50,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children's pediatric cancer research fund and $6,000 for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation during Tampa Bay Rowdies #GoldTogether awareness games.

September 2016: Raised $101,000 with six North American Soccer teams participating. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital received $76,000 and American Cancer Society $25,000 for pediatric cancer research.

September 2015: Raised $65,000 for seven local pediatric cancer organizations with 20 organizations participating. Recognition was given during Tampa Bay Rowdies September games to kids and businesses who donated to the cause.

#GoldTogether a Face for the Cause:

Pass a Grill Beach Goes Pops and St. Pete Run Fest, 2017 & 2018: Inspiring third party event donations to benefit pediatric cancer research and support programs at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Collaborating to provide insight, speaking at the event, promotion through social media and hosting pediatric cancer families at the event to further the connection to the cause.